Author: Andrew Rogers

A return to traditional Nepali foods could help reverse soaring rates of type 2 diabetes, researchers say. In Nepal, around one in five people over 40 lives with the condition, while medication remains largely unaffordable. Doctors warn diabetes brings serious complications, including kidney disease, blindness, and early death. Studies suggest that lentils and rice, long staples of Nepali diets, can help put diabetes into remission. A pilot study in Kathmandu found that 43% of patients achieved remission after following a calorie-controlled traditional diet. An ongoing community trial shows similar results, with about half of participants diabetes-free after four months. The…

People who drink a few cups of tea or coffee each day may face a lower risk of dementia.A US study followed more than 130,000 adults for up to 40 years.Those drinking two to three coffees or one to two teas daily had 15–20% lower dementia risk. Caffeinated coffee drinkers also showed slightly less cognitive decline.Decaffeinated coffee showed no such link.Researchers published the findings in Journal of the American Medical Association. The study cannot prove caffeine protects the brain.Lifestyle factors may explain some of the difference.Lead author Yu Zhang from Harvard University said the results fit known biology. Tea and…

Team USA men’s ice hockey is set to compete at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan‑Cortina, bringing a roster full of talent, experience, and determination. The squad is focused on securing a medal while showcasing strong defensive play and disciplined teamwork. The team has trained rigorously leading up to the Olympics, emphasizing speed, coordination, and strategic plays. Coaches have stressed the importance of defense, noting that preventing goals will be key against highly competitive opponents like Canada, Sweden, and Finland. Captain Ryan Donato leads the team with experience from previous international tournaments. His leadership, combined with skilled forwards and solid…

BP faces mounting pressure to end a turbulent period as it prepares to publish full-year results this week. Analysts expect weaker profits after oil prices fell for a third straight year, with forecasts of about $7.5bn, down from nearly $9bn in 2024. The decline follows a sharp drop in crude prices late last year. Incoming chief executive Meg O’Neill is expected to outline a clearer strategy as investors question BP’s recent shift back toward fossil fuels. Activist shareholders, including groups linked to pension funds, want the company to explain how it will manage future oil and gas spending as long-term…

Researchers say menstrual blood testing could offer a simple alternative to cervical screening.A sanitary pad fitted with a blood strip can detect HPV, which causes most cervical cancers.Women could use the test at home without a clinical examination. A large study in China compared menstrual blood samples with clinician-collected cervical samples.Researchers studied more than 3,000 women with regular menstrual cycles.They published the findings in BMJ. The pad-based test detected serious cervical cell changes with similar accuracy to clinical sampling.It showed a sensitivity of 94.7% for detecting high-risk abnormalities.Researchers said the method could improve screening access for non-attenders. Cancer Research UK…

A major review finds most statin side-effects are not caused by the medication.Researchers published the analysis in The Lancet after reviewing 19 trials with 124,000 participants.The study found strong evidence for muscle pain, diabetes risk, and four minor effects only.These included liver test changes, mild liver abnormalities, urine changes, and tissue swelling.Researchers found no evidence linking statins to memory loss, depression, sleep problems, or nerve damage.The benefits of statins in preventing heart attacks and strokes far outweighed the risks.Experts said drug labels should be updated to reflect the evidence.

Hidden sellers promote unlicensed weight-loss drugs through WhatsApp and Telegram giveaways.They offer powerful injectable medicines as competition prizes. The Guardian found groups advertising retatrutide, an experimental drug without approval.Posts pressure users to enter within 24 hours. Experts warn these promotions pose serious health risks.They say marketers misuse social media tactics for unlicensed medicines. One group offered retatrutide, Glow pens, and melanotan II as prizes.None of these injectable products hold UK approval. UK law allows weight-loss injections only with valid prescriptions.Unapproved drugs cannot be legally sold or advertised. Another seller disguises drug sales as fitness coaching programmes.Researchers warn these tactics bypass…

Ultra-processed foods should be regulated more like cigarettes than everyday food, a new study argues.Researchers say UPFs are engineered to drive addiction and overconsumption.The report comes from scientists at Harvard University, University of Michigan and Duke University.They highlight parallels with tobacco, including health harms and marketing tactics.The study appears in Milbank Quarterly.Authors call for tighter controls, including marketing restrictions and industry accountability.Critics warn comparisons may go too far but accept UPFs pose serious public health risks.

TravelPulse has identified the United States and Mexico among the top trending destinations for 2026. The report highlights rising travel interest in both countries and points to new opportunities for tourism growth. U.S. travelers continue to seek a mix of domestic and international experiences. Popular U.S. locations, from urban landmarks to cultural attractions, are drawing high interest from both American and international visitors. Mexico’s growing accessibility and cultural appeal are also attracting more tourists from around the globe. The trending lists showcase destinations that are gaining attention due to new attractions, events, or easier travel options. Analysts say these trends…

Toto Wolff dismissed rival complaints over the legality of Mercedes’ 2026 engine.He insisted the power unit fully complies with regulations approved by the FIA.Rivals claim Mercedes and Red Bull Racing exploited thermal expansion to boost performance.Wolff said competitors missed an opportunity and should “get their shit together”.Audi, Ferrari and Honda raised concerns with the FIA before pre-season testing.Wolff did not rule out protests after the Australian Grand Prix but said Mercedes feels secure.